The earlier lessons describe the paperwork and the marks. This lesson deals with the container itself, the extra help that large shipments need, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Means of containment (Part 5)
The rules for packaging are in Part 5. In plain terms:
- Dangerous goods must be in a container that is selected and used according to the standards named in the Regulations for that class. For small containers of Classes 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 and 9, those are the standards CGSB-43.146 and CGSB-43.150. Large containers and gas cylinders have their own standards.
- Where a standard requires a standardized container, the container must carry the compliance marks that standard requires. These are the marks you see stamped or printed on drums, jerricans and bottles, often beginning with the UN symbol. If a required mark is missing, the container is not in standard and must not be used.
- The container must be in good condition, closed properly and secured so that, under normal conditions of transport including handling, nothing can leak or escape.
- Check each container before loading. Do not load or move a dented, leaking, swollen or rusted container. Report it instead.
- Do not mix products in ways that can react. Ask your supervisor which products must be kept apart.
Equipment and handling
Use only the equipment you were shown how to use: pallet jacks, forklifts, hoses, pumps and spill kits. Keep flames and sparks away from flammable goods. Wear the protective clothing your employer requires.
ERAP: the Emergency Response Assistance Plan (Part 7)
Some shipments are so large or so dangerous that a driver cannot deal with a release alone. For these, the Act and Part 7 require an approved ERAP, a plan that Transport Canada has approved. It provides:
- a telephone number to call for technical advice, answered 24 hours a day,
- trained advisers and, when needed, an emergency response team sent to the scene.
An ERAP is required when the quantity of goods with the same UN number in a container is above the ERAP index listed in column 7 of Schedule 1, with some further rules for several containers on the same vehicle. When an ERAP applies, the shipping document must show the ERAP reference number and ERAP telephone number. A driver should know where the numbers are and how to call.
If there is a release
A "release" is any leak, spill or escape of dangerous goods. An "anticipated release" is a situation where one is likely, such as after a crash that has damaged a tank.
Reasonable first steps for a worker or driver:
- Protect yourself and others. Move away, upwind and uphill if you can. Keep people back.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number if there is fire, injury or danger to the public.
- Use the shipping document and the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) to identify the goods and the first actions. Give responders the UN number and shipping name.
- Only if it is safe and you are trained, take reasonable measures to reduce the danger, such as closing a valve or placing a drain cover. Never put yourself at risk to save property.
Reporting (Part 8)
Part 8 requires an emergency report as soon as possible to the local authority responsible for emergencies at the location, when the release or anticipated release reaches the reportable quantity. For example:
- Any quantity for Class 1 explosives and Class 2 gases,
- Any quantity of Class 3, 4, 5, 6.1 or 8 goods in Packing Group I or II, and of Class 6.2 infectious substances,
- 30 L or 30 kg of Packing Group III goods, or those without a packing group, in the same classes,
- 30 L or 30 kg of Class 9 goods in Packing Group II or III, or without a packing group.
Reports must also be made to CANUTEC (1-888-CANUTEC, 1-888-226-8832, or 613-996-6666) and the consignor in the cases the Regulations list, such as when someone is killed or needs immediate medical treatment, people are evacuated or sheltered in place, a road or facility is closed, or a container's integrity is damaged. A written 30-day follow-up report goes to the Minister. Loss, theft and unlawful interference with dangerous goods are also reportable.
CANUTEC, run by Transport Canada, gives emergency advice to responders.
Your employer's emergency plan names who reports and who calls the ERAP. Know it before you need it.
Key points to remember
- Use only suitable, marked, closed containers in good condition.
- A large or dangerous load may need an approved ERAP; its numbers are on the shipping document.
- In a release: protect people, call emergency services, identify the goods, report to the local authority and CANUTEC where required.